Itinerant hiking : on the roof of the Jura mountains

To you ! Comfortable itinerant hikes from Monts Jura.Take the height.

From the Valserine Valley via the Hautes Combes to the Léman balcony, you'll be amazed by these wide-open spaces and the breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and the Alps.

Day 1: Lélex -> Mijoux via the Haut Jura, around 4 hours.

Distance: 14.4 km
Difference in altitude: D+471m / D -372 m
Route: Head towards Moulin Pierre Louis (yellow markings), La Pralouse, Croaby, Sous Cariche. Pick up the GR (red and white). Le Manon, Lajoux then Mijoux.

Day 2: Mijoux -> Lélex via the crests of the Haute Chaine du Jura, between 5h30 and 6h.

Follow the trail through the National Reserve.
Distance: 17km
Difference in altitude: D+985 m/D -886 m
Itinerary: Follow the GR (red and white) through the village towards La Faucille, then Grand Mont Rond, Colomby de Gex, Col de Crozet, Refuge de la Loge, Le Ratou and Lélex.

Part of the route is located in the Nature Reserve, so please respect the regulations specific to this area

Dogs are forbidden, even on a leash.

Tents are also forbidden.

More information:
Safety instructions :This trail crosses part of the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, so please respect its regulations. https://www.rnn-hautechainedujura.fr/Among these rules: Dogs forbidden, even on a leash!Before setting off :Check the general and local weather forecast, and make sure there's no precipitation.Find out about the approach to the route, its height, how long it will take to reach the summit and any possible escapes (IGN map, GPS, topo-guide, etc.).Evaluate possible risks by asking mountain professionals, refuges and gîtes.Inform someone close to you of your objective, and contact them again if there are any changes: departure and return times, number of participants with telephone numbers for each, vehicle(s), parking.Avoid setting off alone, and use equipment that is suitable for the activity, adjusted and in good condition: headlamp, complete first-aid kit, survival blanket, etc.In the event of a problem, call 112 (European emergency number).This route borders a mountain pasture where Patous dogs are present:The Patou or guard dog: what attitude should you adopt?When hiking, it's not uncommon to come across flocks of sheep or goats guarded by guard dogs known as patous.These dogs, formidable against predators such as wolves, bears and lynxes, can frighten hikers with their barking.The patou protects the herds in total autonomy. Its main role is to deter intruders and alert the shepherd. Raised among the ewes from an early age, he learns to protect them at all times, often in groups.To avoid problems with a Patou:Identify grazing areas before setting off.Keep your distance and go around flocks if possible.In the event of an encounter, stay calm, turn back slowly or stop to let the dog sniff you out.Don't try to pet or feed the animals, avoid sudden movements, don't run, and avoid taking photos.For runners:Do not run when approaching a herd.Take off your headphones to hear the dog's barking.By adopting these behaviors, you'll be able to cohabit serenely with guard dogs during your hikes.

Itinerary

In detail

  • Distance: 31 km
  • Markup: BALISE
  • Elevation gain : 1398 m
  • Negative elevation gain : 1398 m
  • Duration of itinerary: 2 day(s)
  • Type of route: BOUCLE
  • Beaconing accuracy: Red and white (GR) and yellow (PR de Pays) markings
  • Nature of the land: Rock
  • Nature of the land: Stone
  • Nature of the land: Ground
  • Nature of the land: Hard coating (tar, cement, flooring)
  • Nature of the land: Grit
  • Nature of the land: Not suitable for strollers

Opening

From 01/04 to 30/11/2024.

Subject to favorable weather.

Rates

Free access. Overnight stay in Mijoux:

Les Berlicants, la Michaille, or the Valserine communal gîte.

Facilities & services

Facilities

  • Car park

Adapted tourism

  • Not accessible in a wheelchair

Host language(s)

  • French